Trim Router Advice

[Charlie Plesums]

I need to fix a mess up... and the easiest way seems to be a pattern bit in a router... but I need to get into a corner (or darn close). So small router, i.e. trim router, comes to mind.

Searching the vendors on the internet suggests that I will have to spend $100 for a basic unit (PC, DeWalt, Bosch, Ridgid) or up to $200 with accessories. Bosch drops off the list because I haven't found a local dealer. DeWalt loses points because my regular DeWalt router died recently - after having already been rebuilt for the cost of a new unit.

Since this isn't the last project (or my last screw up), if I am going to have to spend $200, is it worth jumping to $500 for the Festool MFK700? Or will I find a $100-200 unit sufficient?

[Mike Heidrick]

Amazon is always local - as close as your front door. Get the Bosch colt variable speed. Do it right the first time.

[Vince Shriver]

The Colt is an excellent little router. However, to use Porter Cable pattern guides you will need an adaptor - or you can use Bosch guides; just check into it before hand - so no last minute surprses.

[Dan Clark]

Charlie,

I've been thinking about getting a trim router to augment my Triton router and my Festool OF1400. I looked into the MFK700 and the Bosch Colt.

If I was going to use a trim router day in and day out, I'd get the MFK700. However, I'm probably going to get a Bosch Colt because of it's flexibility.

The MFK700 is a great trim router, but I'm not sure if it will get as close to a corner as you'd like to mee your needs.

I think the Bosch Colt Installers Kit might be the best choice for you because it includes an offset base. (http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-PR20EVSN.../dp/B000EJX202). Here's a review of the Colt that describes the Offset Base in detail: http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/bcoltkitrvu.html.

One downside of the Colt is that some people have reported that it the height adjustment can slip. That's hearsay because I don't own one.

Regards,

Dan.

[Dan Lee]

One downside of the Colt is that some people have reported that it the height adjustment can slip. That's hearsay because I don't own one.

Regards,

Dan.

I have the Colt and really like it. I had the height slip problem until I read the manual (duh) that you need to twist the motor in the base which locks it into the threads of the fine adjust mechanism.

[Bill Arnold]

Harbor Freight has a good trim router. Probably doesn't cost enough for some folks, but it'll do the job. Here it is.

I have two of them and reach for them a lot more often than my PC. I've seen them in use in commercial shops also.

[Dave Sweeney]

Harbor Freight has a good trim router. Probably doesn't cost enough for some folks, but it'll do the job. Here it is.

+1 (10 characters)

[Dan Cameron]

A while ago I needed to rout close to an inside corner, and I rigged up a "homemade" router using a $10 H.F. die grinder. Since the die grinder has a small diameter you can get very close to a corner.

[Steve Kohn]

I have the Colt and really like it. I had the height slip problem until I read the manual (duh) that you need to twist the motor in the base which locks it into the threads of the fine adjust mechanism.

+1, especially the part about twisting the motor to engage the mechanism. BTW, I learned that trick not from the manual but from this forum. Thanks guys, I was about ready to throw out the Bosch. Now I love it and use it the most of the 7 routers I have.

[Joe Vincent]

+1, especially the part about twisting the motor to engage the mechanism. BTW, I learned that trick not from the manual but from this forum. Thanks guys, I was about ready to throw out the Bosch. Now I love it and use it the most of the 7 routers I have.

Yep. Glad I read about that issue before I bought my Colt so I didn't go through that frustration. And it's always good that this is explained in posts in which folks recommend the Colt so the new user is clued in from the get go.

[Neal Clayton]

+1, especially the part about twisting the motor to engage the mechanism. BTW, I learned that trick not from the manual but from this forum. Thanks guys, I was about ready to throw out the Bosch. Now I love it and use it the most of the 7 routers I have.

was just about to post the same thing . i have a colt and figured that out as well. my helper actually pointed the gear thing out to me, as i was about to toss mine too, heh.

[Dewey Torres]

Another vote for the COLT but...

There is some new competition on the block. My one complaint about the Colt is there is no plunge or no easy/cheap way to get one. Trend makes a new trim router called the T-4 for $99 with variable speed and plunge.

As much I love my Colt, if I had to do it today I would be considering the T4. One drawback is that it is so new I am not sure you will find many folks to ask how it performs.

http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPR...FSCcnAodLzwtYQ

[Kevin Groenke]

Another vote for the COLT but...

There is some new competition on the block. My one complaint about the Colt is there is no plunge or no easy/cheap way to get one. Trend makes a new trim router called the T-4 for $99 with variable speed and plunge.

As much I love my Colt, if I had to do it today I would be considering the T4. One drawback is that it is so new I am not sure you will find many folks to ask how it performs.

http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPR...FSCcnAodLzwtYQ

That Trend trimmer looks A LOT like a Freud that I bought a few years back. The standard base on that trimmer is NOT square and never locks effectively without a pliers, the plunge base is sloppier than a ____ in a ______. This thing makes a racket like a weasel and a mongoose in a hamster wheel with a bunch of marbles. There is a reason it is no longer sold by Freud, who is Trend? Where is that bad tools thread?

I bought a Colt a couple months back and it's LIGHT YEARS ahead of the Freud (Trend?) as far as build quality, design, engineering and ergonomics. I'll probably buy a couple more Colts to replace the other trimmers in the shop that are inferior. Haven't used the offset base yet, but it looks good, and I haven't heard anything bad about it, which you would think you would with all the glowing reports.

-kg

[Dewey Torres]

That Trend trimmer looks A LOT like a Freud that I bought a few years back. The standard base on that trimmer is NOT square and never locks effectively without a pliers, the plunge base is sloppier than a ____ in a ______. This thing makes a racket like a weasel and a mongoose in a hamster wheel with a bunch of marbles. There is a reason it is no longer sold by Freud, who is Trend? Where is that bad tools thread?

I bought a Colt a couple months back and it's LIGHT YEARS ahead of the Freud (Trend?) as far as build quality, design, engineering and ergonomics. I'll probably buy a couple more Colts to replace the other trimmers in the shop that are inferior. Haven't used the offset base yet, but it looks good, and I haven't heard anything bad about it, which you would think you would with all the glowing reports.

-kg

Kevin,
I am not knocking the Colt. I bought a reconditioned unit from CPO Bosch and I love that thing. Very interesting picture. You are right, it looks like the same router.
I just saw the first advertisement in a WW magazine recently. Trend (I think) is the same company that makes those high quality face shields for turners/WWs. Making a face shield and a router may be a bit like saying “I am a woodworker but working on your car should be too much of a problem”.
I will be interested to see the reviews that will inevitably start rolling in once folks realize they are touting to have the only trim router with a standard plunge base. As I have said I wish there was one available from Bosch. There is one retro out there but it costs as much a the router itself!
If this T4 is a POS, someone will write more about it soon.

Anyone Creekers out there have one yet???

[Jason Yeager]

Hello Charlie,

Unfortunately, I can't give you any advice on the Festool, but have some experience with some other trim routers. I had a Bosch Colt, and so did another trim carpenter I know, which had problems with the depth adjustment staying put. Cost my buddy quite a bit because it slipped during a critical cut and ruined his job. I favor the Bosch's ergonomics and controls, just haven't had one that locked down well. Others swear by them, though. The porter cable is a good little router for the money, maybe a bit clunky, but have never had any problems with it.